Depression Counselling in Regina, SK.

I am a registered psychologist (provisional) in the province of Saskatchewan. My approach to counselling is eclectic, humanistic and collaborative. I use strategies from many theories such as client-centered, solution-focused, CBT, DBT, and evidence-based strategies for long-term weight loss. You are a unique individual and together we will discover what works best for you!

Someimtes life can be difficult. Dealing with depressino can make it even harder. I am here to listen to your story, to offer a safe place to discuss the situation and to partner with you in finding a way forward. I use a Narrative approach that takes your story and asks the question, what shapes the way your story is told? As you find clarity in your story, and the forces that have shaped it, you can also discover the inner strengths you have at hand to move forward in life.

When experiencing depression we can feel alone and without hope. I use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to explore some of our cognitive distortions we may have when it comes to how we think about ourselves and situations we are in. This can include some homework to become more aware of those depressive thoughts. I like to also help explore further by using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). It’s a chance to learn how to “ride” the waves of emotions.

In many ways it is important to understand depression as a verb; depressing! Treatment for depression should involve understanding the patterns of behavior that cause depression. There are many ways to treat depression that are easy, accessible and fun! Mindfulness Meditation is an excellent tool that you will learn as a response for depression. Clients make significant gains using this tool!

Depression can consume your life or just make life no fun anymore. Whether you have severe or mild, situational or chronic depression counselling can give you tools to help you control your life and stop feeling helpless and overwhelmed. A holistic approach is an important factor when managing depression. Get help you do not have to feel this way forever.

Counseling can assist individuals with depression to experience a happier and healthier life. Various counseling approaches are used to develop self awareness and practical techniques for creating positive change and experiences. Cognitive therapy assists to identify thinking patterns, including negative thought patterns that may be changed into more positive ones to improve mood. Behavioral therapy focuses on changing unhelpful, or undesired behaviors toward behaviors that are more positive for the individual. Cognitive Behavioral therapy is a combination designed to support clients to explore the best options for personal wellness.

Up to half of mental illness can be categorized as depression and usually requires identification of triggering factors, many of which may have combined over a lifetime. Treatment will depend on how it developed and may be coordinated with a psychiatrist for medical care. Common reasons for depression are: repressed anger, faulty thinking, trauma or grief. Are sexual misconduct or addictions part of your life? We identify when and why your anger was repressed, change faulty thinking, process trauma and grief from a safe distance, place appropriate boundaries in your life and express any anger with dignity and compassion. This enables new thought patterns or beliefs and disarms depression.

Maureen utilizes a number of useful approaches to address the faulty thinking, emotional upheaval, poor concentration, low productivity, relationship issues and other difficulties associated with the debilitating effects of depression. Depending on the severity of depression, there are some clients who may benefit from pharmaceuticals in which case they will need to consult with a qualified doctor who can diagnose and prescribe to address the chemical imbalance.

It is not uncommon in our society to feel over-burdened by life's demands, which can result in feelings of depression. In supporting someone through feelings of intense sadness and depression, we work together in trying to determine the roots of depressive symptoms and whether any changes can be made in an individual's adaptation to their situation in order to improve mood. Together, we explore the biopsychosocial factors that may lead to depression and work on strategies to help an individual improve his or her functioning and ability to cope constructively with challenges.

Depression is often times a silent struggle. It can be isolating and unfortunately remains stigmatized and misunderstood by society today. I have had clients say to me, "My partner thinks I should just be able to just buck-up but I can't! What is wrong with me?" If depression is a part of your life, you know that its' treatment is not simply "bucking-up." Often times there is a chemical imbalance and/or stressful life circumstances that is making it difficult for you to cope. This does not mean you are weak or flawed in any way. For example, if you had a thyroid condition, you wouldn't think it was "your fault" but yet with depression we do. You don't need to be alone in this.

Cristina uses a mindfulness approach in treating depression. Her holistic approach, paying attention to cognitive, emotional, behavioral and physical components of healing, increases the effectiveness of treatment for depression. You will learn strategies that you will be able to use between sessions and after the therapy ends. You will be able to cope better with future depressive episodes.

Individuals who suffer from depression are often overwhelmed by thoughts related to shame, hopelessness and helplessness. They respond to this by shutting down, self-isolating and disconnect from life's responsibilities. When this goes on over an extended period of time life itself becomes a "struggle". ACT therapy helps these individuals drop the struggle. As they learn to accept their thoughts as "just thoughts" they can allow them to occupy some space, yet not be as threatening, and as they do that these thoughts and the feelings that go along with them weaken, and they often just go away. The beauty of the ACT approach is that we can learn to quit the fight.

Are you tired of being super-tired? Do you feel like there is a huge weight on you? Does life seem kind of pointless? Do other people just not seem to "get" what you're going through? Are you irritable, disengaged, and just not enjoying what you used to? If so, depression counselling may be right for you. By working with me, we'll explore and uproot the causes of your depression, allowing you to live with more energy, purpose, vitality, and meaning. Finally, let's step closer to a life of engagement. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Depression can be caused by life events as well as be part of normal life for some people. When depressions hits it can be a struggle to even reach out for assistance but seeing a counsellor can make a big difference to how you feel. Having someone to process events and sort out your thoughts with is a positive step that can result in a significant reduction of distress. We can work together to examine your thoughts as they can have a big impact on how you feel, change those thought patterns and self talk and develop strategies to create an on-going practice of self-care.